Insurance / Student Health Requirements

Upon entry to the PA Program, every student must have health insurance coverage which meets Barry University requirements, including coverage of occupational exposures. Coverage must remain in effect at all times while enrolled in the Program. Graduate students taking six or more credits may purchase health insurance through the Barry University Health Plan. Students should review the coverage offered by the Barry University Student Health Center (BUSHC) online, MyBarry, or by visiting the BUSHC. Students at distant sites may also email Pamela Foster (pfoster@barry.edu) enrollment forms and inquiries.

Prior to matriculation students must provide proof of their Barry University Health Plan enrollment or submit proof of their personal insurance by uploading to the American DataBank (ADB) Immunization Tracking System (ITS) at www.barrypa.com. In the event a change of insurance coverage occurs, the student must submit proof of the new plan. Students covered by an insurance plan other than the University plan must download an insurance waiver from the ADB portal, upload the completed form along with copy of the insurance card (back and front). Failure to submit proof of Barry University Health Plan coverage, or provide the waiver and proof of other insurance, will result in holds on registration and/or withdrawal from all clinical activities, with potential delays in progression through the Program.

Prior to the first day of new student orientation, each student must provide the Program (through the American Data Bank Immunization Tracking System proof of compliance with Program student health requirements which will include a Statement of Good Health Form included in welcome pack). The costs are borne by the student. These health requirements are based in part on the CDC Guidelines for Health Care Workers which may change periodically:

For healthcare personnel )HCP) born in 1957 or later without serologic evidence of immunity or prior vaccination, give 2 doses of MMR, 4 weeks apart.

Varicella (chickenpox)

For HCP who have no serologic proof of immunity, prior vaccination, or history of varicella disease, give 2 doses of varicella vaccine, 4 weeks apart. Give SC.

Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)

Give a dose of Tdap as soon as possible to all HCP who have not received Tdap previously and to pregnant HCP with each pregnancy. Tdap given once regardless of when previous dose of Td was received. Give Td boosters every 10 years thereafter. Give IM.

IM intramuscular/SC subcutaneous

Each student must update their PPD status and Statement of Good Health every 12 months, or more often if required by a clinical site to which the student is assigned. The above information may be released to third parties to facilitate student clinical placements.

The Program currently conducts didactic and clinical education in the US Virgin Islands. Current recommendations from the CDC provided to students include:

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) is recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with “standard” tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.

Typhoid is recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in the Caribbean, especially if staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water.

Other Diseases Found in the Caribbean:

A Dengue Fever epidemic is occurring on many of the Caribbean islands. Most islands are infested with the Aedes aegypti mosquito, so these places are at risk for introduction of dengue. Protecting yourself against insect bites will help to prevent this disease.

In 2006, malaria (falciparum) was confirmed in travelers to Great Exuma, Bahamas, and Kingston, Jamaica, areas where malaria transmission typically does not occur. Again, avoidance of insect bites is the primary defense.

Cutaneous larval migrans is a risk for travelers with exposures on beaches.

Outbreaks of ciguatera poisoning, which results from eating toxin-containing reef fish, have occurred on many islands.

Endemic foci of histoplasmosis are found on many Caribbean islands, and outbreaks have occurred in travelers.

Anthrax is hyperendemic in Haiti but has not been reported on most of the other islands. Haiti also has a high incidence rate of tuberculosis and high HIV prevalence rates. There has been a large influx of people from Haiti to the islands following the earthquake. Please be cautious around anyone that is coughing.

Students must also present a basic cardiac life support certification at new student orientation.

Students are advised that faculty of the Program are prohibited by accreditation standards from providing health care services to students. Students must not seek health care from their didactic or clinical faculty.

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